Mas Darul Ihsan, Slamet Setiawan, Ahmad Munir
The intonation-based pronunciation assessment in a classroom interaction context has not been investigated in detail in terms of mutual correlation, specifically among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. This type of investigation should achieve meaningful and impactful classroom interaction through intonation usage and support EFL teachers in appropriately conveying messages and enabling EFL students to respond effectively. However, investigations in this area remain limited, particularly in Indonesia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate EFL teachers' pronunciation in depth during English-speaking instruction, focusing on intonation, cultural classroom interaction context, human interpretative involvement, and PRAAT analysis, as well as how teachers achieved meaningful and impactful English-speaking classroom interaction. Data were collected through observation using checklists and field notes, Stimulated Recall Interview (SRI), and PRAAT-based tonic movement measurements. The results showed that PRAAT-supported analysis highlighted areas for self-corrective work. EFL teachers implied specific meanings through falling (p), rising (r+), and falling-rising (r), all with an “above” tone. Furthermore, tone usage was influenced by cultural context, particularly rising-falling (p+) with an “above” tone, while EFL students predominantly responded with affirmative and confirmatory meanings using falling (p) intonation, reflecting classroom power relations in interaction. The results could serve as potential guidance for EFL teachers in conveying specific meanings and improving classroom interaction by assigning appropriate intonation patterns and intonation stress to foster classroom involvement. Improvement in intonation usage can be achieved through intensive PRAAT-based training. This study was limited by the sole focus on statement expressions in classroom interaction contexts. © 2026, Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All rights reserved.
Faculty of Language and Art, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Kota Surabaya, 60213, Indonesia
